University have secured the services of Tamworth-bred, former ACT Comets representative and Sydney first-grade captain Andrew Harriott for the upcoming Newcastle District Cricket Association season.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who played one Big Bash game for the Melbourne Renegades in 2017, joins the Students this summer after recently relocating to the Hunter region from the state capital.
Last season’s Northern Districts skipper almost single-handedly guided the Sea Dragons to the NCC Summer Bash T20 title in February as a marquee player and University leader Matt Gawthrop said Harriott would be a welcome addition to the full-time squad.
“He [Harriott] is a massive pick up for us,” Gawthrop said. “He pretty much won us that T20 final himself and to have him here full-time is unreal.”
Gawthrop said he was unsure whether Harriott would wear the gloves or simply focus on his batting with current University pair Nathan Hudson and Sam Reading also capable behind the stumps.
Harriott has scored 5529 runs, including nine centuries, during his eight seasons in NSW Premier Cricket competitions from 2010-2011.
“The extra runs will be really good for us,” Gawthrop said.
University also land left-arm paceman Luke Bird back on a full-time basis this season after he recently moved back to Newcastle.
